Earthgirl's Final Battle

Karmacat

Gosh, what a lot going on, especially the hospital trips, poor you (and DS!).  Good to think that things might settle down now.

earthgirl2

Thanks! Another hospital trip on Monday for my youngest this week - head injury at school. He is ok though which is all that counts. That's six in total in the last five weeks so I am hopefully that really is our bad luck and injuries over and done with! As neither boy could play sport or really do anything this weekend, and we finally had a cat flap fitted this week, I decided we could go for a night away within our council area. We had an amazing time with just one night away, and really made the best of it.
Edit to add I am in Scotland and we have been in a tier system and central belt mini lockdown for quite a long time, but we my area is curently ok for travel and holidays within this council area.
 I really, really needed a break to give me a bit of perspective and purpose. I have realised that I still do need to look after the pennies as we will need the pounds in the future, in order to do lots of lovely, normal things with my family, when this is all over, or when we just carry on living like this, but more opportunities are out there.I can't really explain it, but instead of living in my little bubble of just doing the easiest thing - and paying for this convenience, I need to put a bit more effort into things like meal planning, shopping and cooking, and keeping my spends low.
Goals for November:
1. quality time with kids making memories. Had a great bonfire night, and wonderful weekend.
2.catch up at work - more landed on my plate last week so I am determined to get on top of it.
3. Healthy routines
4. Don't drop last months plates!
5. Up my efforts with being eco friendly.

beanielou

6 in 5 weeks.
AS you say hopefully that is it now.

earthgirl2

Yes I hope so!!
4 of the injuries were at school.
Anyway, just logging back on bc I didn't say that I am allowed to travel in my area at the moment for holidays so my weekend trip was fine. I am sure that will change today.
So with my renewed enthusiasm for money saving/making, I have planned out meals for the week, completed some surveys and generally got back into the swing of things.I treated the cat for fleas, ticks and worms myself which is money saving as £15/month at the vet. I also worked out the cheapest way to fund ds1s phone  so that will be £6/month (he has a phone for when he walks home as we need to meet him to cross him over a major road). Walking home is a good way for him to see friends as they are not allowed to others houses.

I've started to think about Christmas, I've sent about 1/3 of my presents. To make it cheaper and better for the environment and my pocket, I have been sourcing unused things at the charity shops, which is also good for charity!
I have 3 more to buy for OH's sisters, slippers for my mum (new), and I will send vouchers from Surveys for my nieces. I think we will have a frugal and fun Christmas this year!!

Karmacat

That's a great idea for DS's phone, getting him safely across a busy road and yet also giving him space to be with his friends, I love that   And hmmm, unused stuff at charity shops - I don't think clearly enough about that sort of thing, excellent idea

earthgirl2

Thanks Karma.
One CS near my work has a big display of unwanted unused gift type things. I got some wonderful things there for my SIL's and feel good about giving back to charity. I have wrapped and sent them to my MIL who is going to see the relatives at various points.  So I only have vouchers (from surveys) for my nieces and my own children left to buy. I think DS2 might want riding lessons... we will see he might change his mind!
So I have managed a frugal few days, not spending very much and also with some added income:
I have now got 9 hours extra week tuition, from two different agencies, all of it online. Some of it starting next week is at 6am so I can fit it in before work. It all seems to be going well though and I am reusing my time spent writing lesson plans etc for all of the students.
I may be offered a homestay student over Christmas. We will see - who knows what we can and can't do by Christmas! I will just fit him in with what we are doing though, which is currently very little!
To do:
Marking and other jobs at work
surveys
Make soup - these boys are eating so much at the moment and I think I am going to eat slightly later and give them a starter and dinner roll before their main meal to fill them up. Hoping this will stop them saying they are hungry an hour later!!

apple_muncher

I just love hearing your plans and routines. You are the motivation queen!

the_cross_rabbit

we got DD2 horse riding lessons for her Christmas and birthday present and loves it. Although she wants a horse now.
CRx

earthgirl2

That's the worry with the horse riding lessons! We live next to a stables as well!
Thanks apple, I'm not feeling so motivated today. Just been told about possible job changes again - 3rd time in about a week. It's really frustrating as I just get organised and then have to try and get motivated to change everything again. Oh well, at least I have a job and changes would only be temporary. 
Also feeling a bit disappointed that an activity I had booked for our November Friday and Monday holiday is cancelled. Businesses are being forced to close not just because of restrictions, but also because they just can't afford to stay open any more.
Positives:
I have a job
I can cobble some things together for the holiday at home - maybe get Christmas going early with some movies and crafts etc?
It will all be ok in the end, and if it's not ok, it isn't the end.

Karmacat

Very rough times, earthie.  Counting the positives is really important in these times.